Hospital officials are encouraging Chatham-Kent residents to get their vaccinations ahead of the cold and flu season.
Based on projections from the local health unit, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is preparing for a potential “massive surge” of patients seeking hospital care due to respiratory illnesses by the end of January 2026.
Caen Suni, CKHA’s vice president of clinical programs and operations, said one way the community can prepare for this expected surge is to ensure they are up-to-date on their COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccinations.
“It’s not too late for individuals to get vaccinated, to get their shots. There’s still time. So we would ask the public to consider that they keep bringing their kiddos in, or they do it for themselves — either for flu or for COVID, among other things,” he said. “That’s the best thing you can do right now, going into the flu season.”
Suni added that CKHA is working closely with CK Public Health, long-term care homes, and primary care heading into the new year. He said the organization will also ensure the hospital is fully staffed to manage an influx of patients.
“From a hospital perspective, we have our own infection control procedures that we follow, and also, we have our own campaigns for shots internals, and our staff are taking advantage of that,” said Suni.
For more information on seasonal illnesses and vaccinations, visit the CK Public Health website by clicking here.
